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City of Chillicothe (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project will turn a vacant and blighted property into the Sixth Ward's first-ever park, providing access to outdoor space for all generations.
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Imperial, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A vacant lot in the heart of Imperial's downtown had been an eyesore for decades. To put the space to better use, the City of Imperial activated the space, creating a new pocket park. Volunteers helped create several murals onsite and installed a mosaic dragon sculpture, designed to double as a play structure for children. Using upcycled existing picnic tables and railroad ties, they also created a circular seating area, dubbed the chatroom. Local elementary school students and residents of an assisted living facility teamed up to paint tiles to decorate outdoor sectional couch. And volunteers laid down artificial turf -- a material chosen to make the mini-park easy to maintain. Raised flower beds completed the space. Since the mini-park's completion, organizers say community members continue to brainstorm ways to improve the pocket park, which they say has revitalized Imperial's arts scene.
Center Harbor, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The project will transform the library greenspace into a safer, more accessible area for Center Harbors older adults, friends, families, and visitors. It will include picnic tables, umbrellas, and Adirondack chairs to encourage socializing, picnicking, reading, and enjoying nature.
Forest City, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will provide spaces for gathering and dining outdoors by adding seating and shade coverings throughout the Grahamtown neighborhood. The communal spaces will welcome older adults by allowing them to rest away from the sun's rays.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: A planning study revealed a lack of accessibility throughout the Chillicothe Transit System, with some riders sitting on the ground while they wait for the bus. To address this, the City stepped in the make bus stops more accommodating for riders of all ages and abilities. First, project organizers identified areas of town with high numbers of older adult transit riders and passengers with mobility challenges. Then they installed benches -- as well as swing sets -- at several bus stops. They also added bus shelters at two stops and erected new signage at more than 60 others. In the future, project organizers plan to add a mural to the pavement at the local library's bus stop. Organizers say the improvements make waiting for the bus more comfortable, which may lead to increased ridership.
Lancaster, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Two bike audits will identify needed improvements along a path linking a high school and a community park in Fairfield. The county will share the results with city officials to guide future planning.
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